Introduction
Eco-friendly initiatives bring novelty to the world of business. Go Green was a concept that only well-known companies promoted a few years ago. But, currently, engaging in sustainable best practices is progressively becoming the new buzz and standard.
Sustainable packaging involves adopting packaging of products in ways that help minimise environmental footprint, are safe for people and are recyclable. Also known as eco-friendly packaging, sustainable packaging provides a lot of benefits, including:
- Reducing carbon footprints
- Biodegradable
- Easily disposable
- No harmful toxins
- Reduced use of resources
- Saves money
- Increased sales
This article will discuss some well-known brands that’re at the forefront of sustainable packaging, looking into their initiatives and their impacts on the environment and society.
Top 3 Leading Brands in the Adoption of Sustainable Packaging
Let’s look at three different brands that have embraced sustainable packaging to minimise their effect on the environment. They include:
Zara
Zara is one of the leading fashion brands in the world. Along with its sustainable packaging, the company’s in-store recycling donation initiative encourages consumers to donate their unwanted items, which are collected and brought back to the stores to be repurposed or recycled. Zara aims to be completely landfill free by 2025.
Puma
Puma’s greener future initiative allows the company to be eco-friendly. The company looked to build a sustainable packaging system that would significantly help reduce its environmental footprint and boost its greener future initiative.
The brand partnered with Fuseproject to design and create new packaging that would be environmentally friendly, cost-effective and has less deviation from previous boxes and bags. The “clever little bag” was the perfect solution.
Millions of shoes shipped globally in Puma’s clever little bag help reduce water, diesel and energy consumption by over 60% per year on the manufacturing level. Puma’s clever little bag eliminates the need to buy a bag when purchasing its items, reducing environmental pollution and landfills.
Amazon
Amazon’s sustainable packaging initiative includes eliminating single-use plastic and substituting plastic wraps such as bubble wraps and air pillows with paper cushions. The E-Commerce giant uses recyclable paper padded mailers to safeguard items during shipping since it occupies less space. While it ensures a lower carbon footprint, it helps with undamaged delivery. The lightweight cushion can be reused.
Challenges and Obstacles Brands Face When Implementing Sustainable Packaging Solutions
When it comes to packaging items, the material of choice needs to be durable, cost-effective and lightweight. This is where companies trying to switch to sustainable packaging encounter several challenges, which are:
- Safety of the product: Biodegradable materials tend to be less durable, meaning the shelf-life of the items is reduced. Moisture can easily leach outside the packaging, endangering the safety of the products.
- The durability of the packaging: Most biodegradable materials like paper and cardboard aren’t durable, meaning the packages get tossed around a lot during transit.
- Branding and versatility: Utilising big text with vibrant colours about the item becomes challenging for brands to integrate into their statement packaging labels. That is why most brands are stuck with their traditional packaging solutions.
Some Inspiring Examples of How the Three Brands Make a Difference in Their Industries
Zara, Puma and Amazon are already leaders in their industries, as they utilise the services of top-rated companies like Sparck Technologies to ensure they remain eco-friendly. Several companies have been following the footprints of these companies, incorporating sustainable packaging into their business strategies. Let’s see which brands has each brand inspired.
- Zara: ASOS, H&M, Mango, Uniqlo, Nike, and Adidas.
- Amazon: Alibaba Group, eBay, Online Stores, Walmart, Otto, and Rakuten.
- Puma: Under Armour, New Balance, Reebok, Fila, ASICS Corporation and Brooks Sports.
Tips for Consumers to Support Sustainable Brands and Make Choices When Buying Products
Consumers who want to take a more mindful approach to support sustainable brands and make choices when purchasing products should utilise the following tips:
- Be sure of what you want to purchase to avoid unnecessary purchases and returns that contribute to landfills.
- Conduct label critiques – research to become a more knowledgeable shopper.
- Educate yourself about recycling programs available near you.
- Strive for carbon neutrality in all of your purchases
- Demand change from your favourable brands
You can do everything to protect the planet, whether that’s switching to use eco-friendly alternatives for packaging or being environmentally friendly conscious in terms of shopping smatter and recycling. It’s vital to start making the change by supporting sustainable brands and their initiatives that help promote eco-friendly packaging practices.
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